The leak is fixed...

We replaced what would essentially be the equivelant of an outflow valve...and she is purring like a kitten to get off the freakin ground.

Crew arrived last night from Houston and flew around for a few hours.

This is going to be a great mission!

I will be watching the north sky for the bright light heading for the great beyond! I wish I had your vantage point.

Good luck!!!

Preparing to launch STS118 on August 7.  This is Space Shuttle Endeavour.  This is the first ship flying with the SSPTS mod.  Its a Shuttle to Station Power Transfer mod that will allow the Orbiter to recieve power from the ISS...hence a longer mission capability since the Orbiter does not have to use as much fuel cellpower while being docked.

We will also be sending up a new gyro for the ISS.  Actually a Rate Moment Gyro that will be replacing an old one.  There are 3 RMG's on the ISS that are used to keep it on its trajectory.

 Another highlight of this mission is that we are flying Barbara Morgan.  She has been waiting for 20 years to fly.  She was originally the backup of Christa MCAullife...the teacher who died when the Challenger blew up after launch.  She will be doing some teaching from space for the kids...

I have some photos to post...more to follow.

Wed. @ 1802, I think it will go off as expected...the weather looks good and this is al that we have any concern about so far.

If you're not busy, US1 in Titusville @ Dogs R Us is the best place to watch from...its only a few hour drive.

C